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DictionarysemicolonPunctuation mark
noun

semicolon

SEM-ee-koh-lun/ˈsemikəʊlən/

The punctuation mark (;) used between closely related clauses or complex list items.

A semicolon joins two complete sentences that express closely related ideas.

A plain small handwritten card contains ONLY 'Rain fell; we waited.' with semicolon slightly darker; two faint small vignettes of rain and sheltered waiting may be omitted to keep punctuation subject clean.
Etymology
semiLatinhalf
+colonGreeklimb; clause

A sentence's clause was pictured as a 'limb'; its name then passed to the punctuation marking it off. Adding 'half' names a mark used to separate clauses more strongly than a comma.

In context

TED-Ed1:17
The semicolon breaks things up, but it also builds connections. Another of its tasks is to link together independent clauses.
How to use a semicolon - Emma Bryce

More examples

  • Use a semicolon here instead of a period to emphasize the connection.
  • Semicolons separate the city names because each includes a state after a comma.
  • Place a semicolon before “however” when it connects two independent clauses.

Forms

semicolon · semicolons

Similar words

comma
Separates simpler list items but cannot alone join independent clauses.
colon
Introduces an explanation or list rather than linking equal clauses.